Covid Problems

[barry1010]

I have just had a very upset elderly relative on the phone wanting to know why I haven't invited her for her regular Sunday lunch now we have all had the second Covid jab. She informs me she is back to her old routine visiting friends and getting out and about - and why not as she is now immune?

She does not believe me when I tell her that she can still catch Covid. Even if she shows no symptoms she can still pass it on. As I have very vulnerable people in my home I cannot allow visitors yet although I'm happy to meet up with her in her garden if she keeps her distance.
She feels insulted. I feel very worried that there are a lot of older people like her who believe they can back to the way things were before Covid, forget about masks and social distancing.

I'm going to have to send her flowers and a card.

[bednobs]

send her a copy of the goverment guidelines!

[barry1010]

Thanks, bednobs - I'll do that. Hope it sinks in

[brainiac]

Too many people are unaware that the vaccine does not prevent you catching Covid - the government should put more effort into making everyone aware of that.

[Apc2604]

Generally Barry. i have found that it's oldies like me that are more wary and understand we are still vulnerable after our 2 jabs. In other words, I don't think age is the reason, I think this will apply to all age groups. More to do perhsps with intelligence and understanding.

[New Judge]

You should point her to the statement made last week by the Prime Minister. Apparently the reduction in infection numbers has nothing to do with the vaccination programme but is instead due to a successful lockdown:

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-lockdown-is-main-reason-for-drop-in-coronavirus-cases-and-deaths-not-vaccinations-says-boris-johnson-12274266

"Boris Johnson has warned that the reduction in coronavirus infections, hospitalisations and deaths "has not been achieved" by the rollout of COVID vaccines.

The prime minister, speaking the day after the latest easing of lockdown restrictions, instead said it was the national shutdown that had been "overwhelmingly important" in driving down COVID rates."

So, reading between the lines, the only way to prevent another lockdown is, er... to continue with the current one. And this is from a man who told us, just a few months ago, that vaccination was our path to freedom.

You must make your own decisions based on your particular circumstances, Barry (as we all should if only we were allowed to). Personally, provided I have been vaccinated and those I meet have been likewise I shall be meeting up with people as normal. That is, without masks, without social distancing and without any other restrictions.

[bunkmoreland]

Quite frankly, having heard the position you're in,she's being very rude.thoughtless and selfish!

[pixie374]

We have several clients who really don't remember or appreciate the guidelines- and we have to gently remind them why their friends and relatives aren't visiting as usual. If you have vulnerable people in your house, you have to consider them, of course, too.
For some, though, even though vaccines aren't 100%, they need the company more.
I think you can only do what you have done, remind her she isn't 100% safe still, and look after your own, if they are happy with that. I can understand, particularly with older people, the need to have some kind of normal, rather than a longer and lonelier life.
A card and flowers would be a nice gesture.

[douglas9401]

Perhaps we all need reminding that there's no such thing as 100% safe and to get on with stuff instead of cowering in corners.

[Apc2604]

Personally I shall remain cautious, but feel safer after my 2 jabs. No more friend hugging and definitely avoiding crowds (which I have for years because I hate being in large groups of people). I shall continue with masks of necessary. I'll get on with my life,but also have respect for others. Things have changed. C'est la vie!

[sunny-dave]

Interesting - over here in Ireland the Government (at the behest of its scientific advisers) have introduced the concept of the Vaccine Bonus.

This allows indoor meeting (with no masks or distancing) of fully vaccinated people from up to two households - it's allowing the elderly to begin to have some sort of social life after a year of isolation.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40255217.html

[sunny-dave]

... pressed send too early ...

This meant that (since all our second jabs were over two weeks ago), we could have a couple of friends over for lunch yesterday - it was the first time any visitor has been inside our house since February last year and was a fantastic boost to all our spirits.

[calmck]

May I recommend an M and S plant gift. Lovely ones with tea biscuits etc.

[pixie374]

Interesting how different countries have different guidelines. But what happens with elderly people who weren't vaccinated?

[sunny-dave]

Despite Ireland's woefully slow vaccination roll-out (courtesy of the inept/corrupt EU bureaucracy), all over 70s should now have been offered vaccination - all but a few have actually had their first shot and will be fully vaccinated by the end of May.

Those choosing not to be vaccinated will have to wait until the general relaxation of restrictions before they can socialise - not before late July at the earliest.

[pixie374]

Thanks x

[eleanor2]

No flowers barry, just the guidelines x

[eleanor2]

Regardless how anyone feels, you have your reasons barry & you shouldn't be made to feel you need to be seeing anyone x

[Peter Pedant]

she wants to go ut and boo-gal-oo
and I dont blame her

boo-gal0looinng and being in cotton wool is a bit of a balancing act but it can be done

give her lunch for chrissakes

[eleanor2]

I'd stay well clear, not because of risk, she sounds a nuisance.

[youngmafbog]

Boris lies NJ, we all know that.